Finance Executive Ascends to Leadership Role in ECHL

Jan 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The Eastern Conference Hockey League (ECHL) has recently appointed Todd Corliss as Vice President of Finance and Accounting. With over two decades of dedicated service to the league, Corliss brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning. His new role expands his responsibilities to encompass critical financial oversight for the league's operations, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.

Elevating Financial Stewardship in Professional Hockey

A Legacy of Financial Acumen

Todd Corliss, a seasoned finance professional with an impressive 22-year tenure at the ECHL, has taken on a pivotal leadership position within the organization. As the newly appointed Vice President of Finance and Accounting, Corliss will continue to manage the league’s financial health with precision and expertise. His promotion reflects the trust placed in him by the league’s executives, who recognize his invaluable contributions to the financial stability and growth of the ECHL.Corliss’s journey began when he joined the league as Director of Finance. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill in handling complex financial matters. His responsibilities have included overseeing monthly budgets, preparing financial reports, and ensuring accurate payroll processing. In addition, Corliss has played a crucial role in the annual Financial Project, which involves comprehensive auditing for salary cap compliance. This level of scrutiny is essential for maintaining transparency and integrity within the league.

Shaping Financial Strategies Beyond the Rink

Before joining the ECHL, Corliss held significant roles as Chief Financial Officer for multiple professional hockey teams. From 2002 to 2006, he managed the financial operations of the Long Beach Ice Dogs, where he was responsible for daily financial matters, including accounting, budgeting, and general administration. He also oversaw worker’s compensation claims, merchandise sales, website design, and player immigration issues. These diverse responsibilities honed his ability to handle multifaceted financial challenges.Simultaneously, Corliss served as CFO for the Texas Wildcatters from 2002 to 2006 and the Johnstown Chiefs from 2003 to 2005. His experience across different teams provided him with a broad perspective on financial management in professional sports. Each role demanded meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, skills that Corliss has carried into his current position at the ECHL.

Building a Foundation for Future Success

Corliss’s educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in finance and sports management. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and sport management. This combination of academic disciplines equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in both financial and administrative roles within the sports industry.The impact of Corliss’s leadership extends beyond the financial realm. Under his guidance, the ECHL has maintained strong affiliations with 29 of the 32 National Hockey League (NHL) teams. This partnership ensures that players who begin their careers in the ECHL have opportunities to advance to higher levels of professional hockey. To date, 760 former ECHL players have made their NHL debuts, including eight in the 2024-25 season alone. The league’s commitment to player development and its close ties to the NHL underscore its significance in the broader hockey ecosystem.

Paving the Way for Continued Growth

As the ECHL prepares for its 37th season in 2024-25, it stands as a testament to the league’s resilience and growth. Starting with just five teams in four states during its inaugural season in 1988-89, the ECHL has expanded to include 29 teams across 22 U.S. states and one Canadian province. This remarkable expansion highlights the league’s ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive sports environment.Corliss’s promotion signifies a new chapter in the league’s financial management. His expertise and dedication will undoubtedly play a crucial role in sustaining the ECHL’s momentum. By ensuring robust financial practices and fostering strong partnerships with NHL teams, Corliss is poised to lead the league toward continued success and innovation in the world of professional hockey.